Just as you and your fiancé are excited about your wedding, your parents are feeling the same sense of excitement. The mother of the bride is almost always eager to help, but she is not the only family member who may want to participate in the wedding planning. Of course, the father of the bride has his moment in the spotlight, but you cannot forget about the soon-to-be in-laws. The relationship you share with these parties will affect your decision to include them or exclude them and to what extent.

The Mother of the Bride

Although you may not realize it, the mother of the bride is considered part of the wedding party. At the beginning of the ceremony, the seating of the bride's mother signals the ceremony is about to begin; she is the last person seated before the processional. As an official member of the wedding party, she does have official duties as well, including the following:

• Assists the bride in selecting her gown, accessories, and trousseau

• Helps the bride select bridesmaid's attire

• Coordinates her attire with the mother of the groom

• Work with the bride, groom, and groom's family to devise a seating plan

• Helps address invitations

• Helps attendants coordinate the bridal shower

• Assists the bride with wedding errands and activities

• Stands in the receiving line

• Acts as hostess of the reception

Parental Partnership

A wedding is the coming together of two families, and if your mother-in-law is itching to help, start off on the right foot and at least find a little something she can do. While you are at it, enlist the talents of your father-in-law and your father, too. Just remember, when and if you do decide to ask for assistance, do not ask for assistance in a category that you feel particularly passionate about and try to find tasks that are of some interest to the person. For example, if your in-laws are wine aficionados, ask them to lead the way in selecting wines for the cocktail hour and the meal.

Here are some jobs for these special people: